Overview | Benefits | Ideal candidates | Important notes | How will it feel | Type of laser treatment | Preparations before treatments | Treatment steps | Expected results | Risks | Steps to follow after the facial
Aging and damaged skin can result in a dull-looking face. However, this is not something to be bothered about at this age when professional facials can help cure most of the skin-related issues. If you want a glowing face without scars and dark patches, a laser facial can definitely help you achieve that. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, the laser skin resurfacing procedure can gently remove the damaged skin cells to reveal healthier and brighter skin layers beneath. It is also known as the laser peel, as this technique uses exfoliation to remove the top layer of skin to treat the blemishes, acne scars, and wrinkles.
Benefits of getting this facial
The laser peel technique can help you in different ways. The procedure involves using a laser to remove dead skin cells. This results in smoother skin, as the procedure removes wrinkles, scars, and spots from your face. Acne scars and spider veins can also be treated with the laser procedure. The dermatologist can make your skin firmer and even the skin tone with the laser peel treatment. The laser treatment also improves the brightness and health of your skin by hydrating it. Another great benefit of the procedure is that the results achieved from it can last for many years.
Ideal candidates for this facial
If you want to brighten up your skin and get rid of the signs of aging, you are the right candidate for the laser facial treatment. People with lighter skin tones are suitable candidates for this facial, as they have a low risk for hyperpigmentation. The Q switched 1064 wavelength laser can be safely performed on a darker skin and give fabulous results without any side effects. One thing that you need to keep in mind is that it requires an experienced pair of hands to conduct the laser treatment safely and effectively. We, at The Bombay Skin Clinic, will be able to ensure that you get treated by the best.
Important notes to remember before getting a laser facial
Before deciding to get the laser peel, you need to be aware of certain things. There are different kinds of laser treatments for facial skin. Your dermatologist can help determine which one is the best for you. For some patients, the procedure may hurt a little but not always. In that case, you have to visit the clinic multiple times. Lastly, the result can last for years but you need to commit to good care of your skin after the treatment.
How will it feel? What can you expect during the treatment?
The patients describe their experience during the laser facial in different ways. Depending on the technique used, the areas that are treated, and your tolerance level, the procedure may or may not hurt. In any case, it is tolerable. Some dermatologists prefer to numb the targeted areas to make sure of your comfort. During the procedure, depending on your expectations, either the entire face will be treated or the doctor will target the specific areas. Treating the entire face with the laser can take up to two hours. Usually, bandages are put on the treated areas; only for ablative laser you need to keep them for approximately 24 hours after which you must clean the treated areas approximately five times daily.
Different types of lasers facial procedures used for this treatment
At The Bombay Skin Clinic, we perform three kinds of laser peel procedures. These include:
- Non-ablative – This procedure uses a laser to reduce minor scars, wrinkles, and brown spots. The procedure uses the heat generated from the laser to treat the targeted areas without causing any harm to the skin’s surface. The procedure also improves the health and firmness of your skin by influencing collagen production. The procedure uses microthermal treatment areas, which are tiny columns on the skin, to send the heat deep into your skin without interfering with the surrounding unaffected skin. Multiple sessions are required to complete the treatment but it is still one of the safest choices that you have. This laser uses wavelength 1064 nm to target the pigment cells and allow removal of damaged sun spots; it also stimulates collagen production and hence improves skin tone and texture. Because dual action helps to rejuvenate the entire skin.
- Ablative – When it comes to treating the aging signs on your face, the ablative laser facial procedure is surely one of the most effective treatments. A strong laser wavelength of light is used for this procedure to remove the damaged top layer of your facial skin. It resurfaces a younger and healthier layer of the skin. The procedure also improves collagen production, which makes the new skin layer firmer and smoother. The ablative laser peel can treat moderate wrinkles, age spots, uneven skin tone, sun damage, and acne scars. The results of the treatment will not be permanent. Your skin will develop more spots and wrinkles as you age. To treat them, you will require additional treatment in the future.
- Photo facials – The photo facial is another name for the Intense Pulse Light (IPL) treatment. This is a very effective treatment procedure that cures or reduces age spots, sun damage, freckles, birthmarks, varicose veins, and rosacea. The IPL device can release different wavelengths of light that can penetrate to the second skin layer. This procedure has the possibility of certain side-effects like bruising, blistering, change in the skin tone, and infection. It does not take too long to complete the procedure and the recovery time is fast. However, you will require multiple sessions to achieve the desired result.
Preparations before the treatment
Before opting for the laser facial, you will need to visit our clinic for a consultation. The doctor will inquire about your general skin health to find out if you develop fever blisters or cold sores easily. This will determine whether you are a good candidate or not. You will be asked to stop smoking or taking medicines like aspirin, vitamin E supplements, or ibuprofen, as these can interfere with the treatment and recovery. If you are a smoker, you must quit the habit two weeks prior to and after the procedure, as smoking can result lead to a delay in recovery.
Steps involved in the treatment
For non ablative laser procedure, your face will be first cleaned properly and then a carbon-based peel will be applied to it. Then, an advanced Q-switched laser device will be used to rejuvenate your facial skin. After the treatment, a soothing and hydrating agent will be applied to your face for comfort. Additionally, a brightening mask may be applied to make your skin more radiant.
For ablative laser procedure your face will be first cleaned properly. Numbing cream is applied. After removing the numbing cream the laser is passed on the full face. Slight erythema is observed. It’s not painful, only slight tingling will be experienced. Followed by instant ice application and then a repair mask is applied. A cold aloe vera jelly or a repair cream is generously applied on skin followed by sunscreen. Sometimes if blisters develop; a mild corticosteroid cream is applied to avoid complications.
Results to expect after the treatment
The ablative laser treatment generally requires only one session to achieve the results you want. On the other hand, the non-ablative laser peel requires multiple sessions to achieve the same result. The results may vary depending on the seriousness of the condition; however, you can expect a noticeable reduction in the signs of aging.
Risks involved with the treatment
Sometimes, laser facial can cause certain side-effects. The most common ones are burns, scarring, change in skin color, reactivation of herpes, and bacterial infection. To lower the risk of any of these side-effects, make sure that the laser peel is performed by an experienced dermatologist only. We can make sure of this in our clinic.
How often should you get a treatment?
For the ablative laser skin resurfacing treatment, it doesn’t require more than one procedure to achieve the best possible results. However, the non-ablative laser peel procedure will require multiple visits to the doctor. It has almost zero downtime and the results are long-lasting. You will require the treatment again only when your skin gets damaged due to aging at a later stage of life.
How long do these facials usually last?
Once all the treatment sessions are completed, the final result will last for many years. However, it is not permanent, as the signs of aging come back with time. You can then opt for additional laser peel treatment to rejuvenate your facial skin again.
Steps to follow after the facial
Harvard Health Publishing informs that your skin will need a few weeks to completely heal after the laser facial treatment. During this time, you will have to take special care of your skin. Use a sunscreen with SPF of 30 or more is mandatory during the day, as the treatment makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight. You also must keep your skin hydrated.
Closing paragraph
Acne scars, sunburns, wrinkles, and dark spots can make your skin appear old. The laser skin resurfacing treatments can be very helpful when it comes to curing and reducing the signs of aging effectively. The procedure also makes your skin appear brighter and healthier. You can book a consultation at our clinic with an experienced and skilled dermatologist who will help you with the entire process.
References
- Johns Hopkins Medicine: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/laser-skin-resurfacing
- National Health Service: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cosmetic-procedures/skin-lightening/
- Harvard Health Publishing: https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/why-your-face-ages-and-what-you-can-do
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons : https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/laser-skin-resurfacing/candidates
